Peptide-mediated delivery of immunoglobulins across the blood-brain barrier

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are materials and methods for delivering immunoglobulins (e.g. therapeutic immunoglobulins) across the blood-brain barrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/246,232, filed Aug. 24, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/209,052, filed Aug. 24, 2015. The disclosures of the prior applications are considered part of (and are incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to materials and methods for delivering immunoglobulins across the blood-brain barrier.

BACKGROUND

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents most macromolecules (e.g., DNA, RNA, and polypeptides) and many small molecules from entering the brain. The BBB is principally composed of specialized endothelial cells with highly restrictive tight junctions, consequently, passage of substances, small and large, from the blood into the central nervous system is controlled by the BBB. This structure makes treatment and management of patients with neurological diseases and disorders (e.g., brain cancer and Alzheimer's disease) difficult as many therapeutic agents cannot be delivered across the BBB with desirable efficiency.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are materials and methods for delivering immunoglobulins (e.g. therapeutic immunoglobulins) across the blood-brain barrier.

There are numerous potential therapeutic antibodies directed against brain cancers and other neurological disorders involving the brain. Provided herein are peptides that specifically binds to an immunoglobulin (e.g., a therapeutic immunoglobulin) and interacts with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) present on the surface of endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The peptides provided herein thus can bind an immunoglobulin and deliver it to the brain. The peptides can also create transient openings in the BBB, through which small molecules (e.g., imaging agents or therapeutic agents) can be transported to the brain.

In some embodiments, peptides provided herein can include the sequence A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m) (SEQ ID NO:1) where A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand, L is a linker, and B is a blood-brain barrier agent including the sequence L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9 (SEQ ID NO:3); where X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; n is an integer from 0 to 50 (e.g., 4); m is an integer from 1 to 3; and p is an integer from 1 to 4 (e.g., 1).

The immunoglobulin affinity ligand can include the sequence H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14 (SEQ ID NO:25), wherein X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L; e.g., the sequence H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26). The immunoglobulin affinity ligand can non-covalently bind a therapeutic immunoglobulin. In some aspects, the therapeutic immunoglobulin can be an IgG immunoglobulin.

The linker can be selected from the group consisting of one or more hydrophilic amino acids, one or more neutral amino acids, and one or more amino acid analogs (e.g., one or more hydrophilic or neutral amino acid analogs). In some aspects, the linker is one or more hydrophilic amino acids (e.g., lysine).

The blood-brain barrier agent can include a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4). For example, the blood-brain barrier agent can be L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4).

In some embodiments, peptides provided herein can include the sequence A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m) (SEQ ID NO:1) wherein A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand, where A includes the sequence H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26) and p is 1; L is a linker, where L is a lysine and n is 4; and B is a blood-brain barrier agent, where B includes the sequence L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4) and m is an integer from 1 to 3.

In some embodiments, peptides provided herein are present in a complex. In some aspects a complex can include a peptide and a therapeutic immunoglobulin. The peptide can include the sequence A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m) (SEQ ID NO:1) wherein A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand; L is a linker; and B is a blood-brain barrier agent including the sequence L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9 (SEQ ID NO:3); wherein X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; n is an integer from 0 to 50 (e.g., 4); m is an integer from 1 to 3; and p is an integer from 1 to 4 (e.g., 1).

The immunoglobulin affinity ligand can include the sequence H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14 (SEQ ID NO:25); wherein X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L. In some aspects, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can be H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26). The immunoglobulin affinity ligand can be non-covalently bound to the therapeutic immunoglobulin. In some aspects, the therapeutic immunoglobulin can be an IgG immunoglobulin.

The linker can be selected from the group consisting of one or more hydrophilic amino acids, one or more neutral amino acids, and one or more amino acid analogs (e.g., one or more hydrophilic or neutral amino acid analogs). In some aspects, the linker can be one or more hydrophilic amino acids (e.g., lysine).

The blood-brain barrier agent can include a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4). In some aspects, the blood-brain barrier agent is L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4).

The therapeutic immunoglobulin can be selected from the group consisting of cetuximab, bococizumab, dinutuximab, racotumomab, ralpancizumab, and avastin. In some aspects, the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.

In some aspects, a complex can include a peptide and a therapeutic immunoglobulin. The peptide can include the sequence H-W-R-G-W-Z-L-L-L-L-L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9 (SEQ ID NO:41); wherein X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L. In some embodiments, the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.

In some aspects, a complex can include a peptide and a therapeutic immunoglobulin, the peptide including the sequence H-W-R-G-W-Z-L-L-L-L-L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R—K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:42).

Also provided herein are methods. For example, included herein are methods of transporting a therapeutic immunoglobulin across the blood-brain barrier of a patient, and methods of treating a neurological disorder in a patient. In some embodiments, the methods can include administering to the patient an effective amount of a peptide and administering to the patient an effective amount of a therapeutic immunoglobulin. The peptide can include the sequence A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m) (SEQ ID NO:1) where A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand; L is a linker; and B is a blood-brain barrier agent including the sequence L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9 (SEQ ID NO:3); where X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; n can be an integer from 0 to 50 (e.g., 4); m can be an integer from 1 to 3; and p can be an integer from 1 to 4 (e.g., 1).

The immunoglobulin affinity ligand can include the sequence H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14 (SEQ ID NO:25), wherein X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L. In some aspects, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can be H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26). The immunoglobulin affinity ligand can non-covalently bind the therapeutic immunoglobulin. In some aspects, the therapeutic immunoglobulin can be an IgG immunoglobulin.

The linker can be selected from the group consisting of one or more hydrophilic amino acids, one or more neutral amino acids, and one or more amino acid analogs (e.g., one or more hydrophilic or neutral amino acid analogs). In some aspects, the linker is one or more hydrophilic amino acids (e.g., lysine).

The blood-brain barrier agent can include a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4). For example, the blood-brain barrier agent can be L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4).

The therapeutic immunoglobulin can be selected from the group consisting of cetuximab, bococizumab, dinutuximab, racotumomab, ralpancizumab, and avastin. In some aspects, the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.

The peptide and the therapeutic immunoglobulin can be admixed prior to administering to the patient.

The neurological disorder can be selected from meningitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, late-stage neurological trypanosomiasis, Parkinson's, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, De Vivo disease, Alzheimer's disease, HIV Encephalitis, addiction, and cancer.

The methods can include administering to the patient an additional active agent. The additional active agent can be administered about 5 minutes to about 2 hours after the peptide. In some aspects, the additional active agent can be an imaging agent (e.g., one or more of a radionuclide, a paramagnetic metal, a fluorochrome, a dye, and an enzyme substrate). In some aspects, the additional active agent can be a therapeutic agent (e.g., a polypeptide, an oligonucleotide, an antibiotic, an antiviral agent, a cancer drug (e.g., ZD6474 and INCB3619), an anti-addiction drug, and an anesthetic).

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use in the present disclosure; other, suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, sequences, database entries, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the results of transportation of Evan's Blue (EB) across the BBB using various amounts of peptide and administration techniques. 1) EB only; 2) 300 μg Apo-I peptide followed by EB; 3) 600 μg Apo-I peptide followed by EB; 4) 600 μg Apo-I peptide+200 μg cetuximab, followed by EB.

FIG. 2 is a bar graph illustrating the results of administration of two radiolabeled antibodies, herceptin (HER) and cetuximab (CTX), and one radiolabeled peptide, bovine serum albumin (BSA) with and without 600 μg ApoI into mice. The amount of the radiolabeled compound was detected using microSPECT imaging in collected brains. Samples in the figure legend occur in the graph from left to right.

FIG. 3 shows microSPECT brain images following administration of two radiolabeled antibodies, herceptin (HER) and cetuximab (CTX), and one radiolabeled peptide, bovine serum albumin (BSA) with and without 600 μg ApoI into mice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are materials and methods for transporting an immunoglobulin (e.g., a therapeutic immunoglobulin) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a patient. For example, the methods provided herein can be used to treat a brain disease in a patient, such as brain cancer.

Provided herein are peptides having a first moiety including an immunoglobulin affinity ligand and a second moiety including a blood-brain barrier agent. The immunoglobulin affinity ligand can be covalently bound at either or both termini of the blood-brain barrier agent. For example, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can be present at the N-terminus of the blood-brain barrier agent or the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can be present at the C-terminus of the blood-brain barrier agent. The first and second moieties can be connected by a linker.

In some embodiments, a peptide provided herein has the following sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 1) A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m).

In some embodiments, a peptide provided herein has the following sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 2) B_(m)-L_(n)-A_(p).

The variable A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand. The variable L is a linker. The variable B is a blood-brain barrier agent. The variable m is an integer from 1 to 3. For example, m can be 1, 2, or 3. In some embodiments, m is 1. The variable p is an integer from 1 to 4. For example, p can be 1, 2, 3, or 4. In some embodiments, p is 1. The variable n is an integer ranging from 0 to 50 (e.g., 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 26, 28, 32, 36, 40, 42, 44, 48, and 50). For example, n can range from 4 to 20, from 8 to 16, or from 10 to 12. In some embodiments, n is chosen from 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20. For example, n can be 16. In some embodiments, n is 4.

Blood-Brain Barrier Agent

Peptides provided herein include a blood brain barrier agent (B). A blood-brain barrier agent, as used herein, is any polypeptide or non-polypeptide ligand that can open the blood-brain barrier such that a target compound can cross the blood-brain barrier. Blood brain barrier agents have been described, for example, in Curran et al., US 2012/107243, and Sarkar et al., US 2014/0314663, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, a blood-brain barrier agent has a cognate receptor on brain cells or can bind to such receptors. In some embodiments, the blood-brain barrier agent includes a transferrin-receptor binding site of a transferrin. In some embodiments, the blood-brain barrier agent includes a receptor binding domain of an apolipoprotein. A receptor binding domain of an apolipoprotein (Apo), for example, can be chosen from the receptor binding domain of ApoA, ApoB, ApoC, ApoD, ApoE, ApoE2, ApoE3, ApoE4, and fragments and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the receptor binding domain of an apolipoprotein is chosen from the receptor binding domain of ApoB and ApoE. In some embodiments, the receptor binding domain of an apolipoprotein is the receptor binding domain of ApoE.

In some embodiments, the blood-brain barrier agent includes a sequence having at least 80% (e.g., at least 85%; at least 90%; at least 92%; at least 95%; at least 98%; and at least 99%) sequence identity to: L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4).

In some embodiments, the blood-brain barrier agent includes a polypeptide having at least 80% (e.g., at least 85%; at least 90%; at least 92%; at least 95%; at least 98%; or at least 99%) sequence identity to the sequence L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9 (SEQ ID NO:3),

wherein: X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; and X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L.

Non-limiting examples of a blood-brain barrier agents according to this sequence include:

(SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 5) L-R-S-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 6) L-R-V-R-M-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 7) L-R-V-R-L-A-T-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 8) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-P-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 9) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-M-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 10) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-N-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 11) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-V-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 12) L-R-V-R-M-S-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 13) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-N-V-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 14) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-N-M-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 15) L-R-A-R-M-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 16) L-R-V-R-L-S-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-M-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 17) L-R-S-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-M-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 18) L-R-V-R-L-S-S-H-L-P-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 19) L-R-V-R-L-S-S-H-L-R-K-L-P-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 20) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-M-R-K-R-L-M-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 21) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-N-L-P-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 22) L-R-L-R-L-A-N-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A; (SEQ ID NO: 23) L-R-L-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-L; and (SEQ ID NO: 24) L-R-V-R-L-A-N-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-L.

In some embodiments, the blood-brain barrier agent is less than 100 amino acids in length (e.g., less than 90 amino acids in length; less than 80 amino acids in length; less than 70 amino acids in length; less than 60 amino acids in length; less than 50 amino acids in length; less than 40 amino acids in length; less than 35 amino acids in length; less than 30 amino acids in length; less than 28 amino acids in length; and less than 25 amino acids in length). In some embodiments, the blood-brain barrier agent can range from 10 to 35 (e.g., 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 25, 28, 31, 32, and 35) amino acids in length. For example, the blood-brain barrier agent can range from 15 to 25, from 18 to 26, or from 20 to 22 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the blood-brain barrier agent is about 20 amino acids in length.

“Percent sequence identity” refers to the degree of sequence identity between any given reference sequence, e.g., L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:4), and a candidate blood-brain barrier agent sequence. A candidate sequence typically has a length that is from 80 percent to 200 percent of the length of the reference sequence (e.g., 82, 85, 87, 89, 90, 93, 95, 97, 99, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, and 200 percent of the length of the reference sequence). A percent identity for any candidate nucleic acid or polypeptide relative to a reference nucleic acid or polypeptide can be determined as follows. A reference sequence (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence or an amino acid sequence) is aligned to one or more candidate sequences using the computer program ClustalW (version 1.83, default parameters), which allows alignments of nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences to be carried out across their entire length (global alignment). Chenna et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 31(13):3497-500 (2003).

ClustalW calculates the best match between a reference and one or more candidate sequences, and aligns them so that identities, similarities and differences can be determined. Gaps of one or more residues can be inserted into a reference sequence, a candidate sequence, or both, to maximize sequence alignments. For fast pairwise alignment of nucleic acid sequences, the following default parameters are used: word size: 2; window size: 4; scoring method: percentage; number of top diagonals: 4; and gap penalty: 5. For multiple alignment of nucleic acid sequences, the following parameters are used: gap opening penalty: 10; gap extension penalty: 5.0; and weight transitions: yes. For fast pairwise alignment of peptide sequences, the following parameters are used: word size: 1; window size: 5; scoring method: percentage; number of top diagonals: 5; gap penalty: 3. For multiple alignment of peptide sequences, the following parameters are used: weight matrix: blosum; gap opening penalty: 10; gap extension penalty: 0.5; hydrophilic gaps: on; hydrophilic residues: Gly, Pro, Ser, Asn, Asp, Gln, Glu, Arg, and Lys; residue-specific gap penalties: on. The ClustalW output is a sequence alignment that reflects the relationship between sequences. ClustalW can be run, for example, at the Baylor College of Medicine Search Launcher site (searchlauncher.bcm.tmc.edu/multi-align/multi-align.html) and at the European Bioinformatics Institute site on the World Wide Web (ebi.ac.uk/clustalw).

To determine percent identity of a candidate nucleic acid or amino acid sequence to a reference sequence, the sequences are aligned using ClustalW, the number of identical matches in the alignment is divided by the length of the reference sequence, and the result is multiplied by 100. It is noted that the percent identity value can be rounded to the nearest tenth. For example, 78.11, 78.12, 78.13, and 78.14 are rounded down to 78.1, while 78.15, 78.16, 78.17, 78.18, and 78.19 are rounded up to 78.2.

Linker

Peptides provided herein optionally include a linker (L). A linker (or spacer), as used herein, is any polypeptide or non-polypeptide used to join a blood-brain barrier agent and an immunoglobulin affinity peptide ligand.

In some embodiments, the linker includes one or more hydrophilic amino acids. As used herein, the term amino acids can include non-natural derivatives of amino acids. A hydrophilic amino acid can be chosen from: arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, histidine, lysine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, and combinations and non-natural derivatives thereof. Non-natural derivatives of hydrophilic amino acids include, for example, histamine. In some embodiments, a hydrophilic amino acid can be chosen from lysine or a non-natural lysine derivative (e.g., DL-5-Hydroxylysine hydrochloride, Fmoc-Lys(palmitoyl)-OH, and Fmoc-β-Lys(Boc)-OH), arginine or a non-natural arginine derivative (e.g., L-2-Amino-3-guanidinopropionic acid hydrochloride, 4-Guanidinobutyric acid, and 3-Guanidinopropionic acid), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic amino acid is lysine. Non-limiting examples of a linker can include lysine (K), arginine (R), or any combination thereof (e.g., KR, KR, KKR, KRK, and RRK). Hydrophilic amino acid linkers have been described, for example, in Curran et al., US 2012/107243, and Sarkar et al., US 2014/0314663, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the linker includes one or more neutral amino acids. A neutral amino acid can be chosen from: alanine, asparagine, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, and combinations and non-natural derivatives thereof.

In some embodiments, the linker includes one or more amino acid analogs. An amino acid analog can be chosen from: aminohexylacrylamide, aminoalkynyl, aminoethoxyethyl.

Affinity Ligand

Peptides provided herein include an immunoglobulin affinity ligand (A). An immunoglobulin affinity ligand, as used herein, is any polypeptide or non-polypeptide ligand that can bind with affinity to a specific immunoglobulin. In some embodiments, an immunoglobulin affinity ligand can be a polypeptide ligand. In some embodiments, an immunoglobulin affinity ligand can bind with high affinity to a specific immunoglobulin.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand is less than 12 amino acids in length (e.g., less than 11 amino acids in length; less than 10 amino acids in length; less than 9 amino acids in length; less than 8 amino acids in length; or less than 7 amino acids in length). In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can range from 4 to 12 (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12) amino acids in length. For example, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can range from 5 to 10, or from 6 to 8 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand is about 6 amino acids in length.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand includes a sequence having at least 80% (e.g., at least 85%; at least 90%; at least 92%; at least 95%; at least 98%; or at least 99%) sequence identity to H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26). Percent sequence identity refers to the degree of sequence identity between any given reference sequence, e.g., H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26), and a candidate immunoglobulin affinity ligand. A candidate immunoglobulin affinity ligand sequence typically has a length that is from 80 percent to 200 percent of the length of the reference sequence (e.g., 82, 85, 87, 89, 90, 93, 95, 97, 99, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, and 200 percent of the length of the reference sequence). How to determine percent identity of a candidate nucleic acid or amino acid sequence to a reference sequence is as described elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand includes a sequence having at least 80% (e.g., at least 85%; at least 90%; at least 92%; at least 95%; at least 98%; or at least 99%) sequence identity to the sequence H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14 (SEQ ID NO:25), wherein:

X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L.

Non-limiting examples of an immunoglobulin affinity ligand according to this sequence include:

(SEQ ID NO: 26) H-W-R-G-W-Z; (SEQ ID NO: 27) H-W-R-G-W-V; (SEQ ID NO: 28) H-W-R-G-W-V; (SEQ ID NO: 29) H-Y-F-K-F-D;  and (SEQ ID NO: 30) H-F-R-R-H-L.

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can include any peptide sequence which binds an immunoglobulin. Non-limiting examples of immunoglobulin affinity domains can include:

(SEQ ID NO: 31) Q-N-A-F-Y-E-I-L; (SEQ ID NO: 32) Y-D-W-I-P-S-S-A-W; (SEQ ID NO: 33) A-G-A-I-W-Q-R-D-W; (SEQ ID NO: 34) S-W-I-S-S-R-D-W-T; (SEQ ID NO: 35) E-A-B-Y-S-K-D-W-L; (SEQ ID NO: 36) N-D-N-G-V-D-G-E-W-T-Y; (SEQ ID NO: 37) D-W-I-P-Q-A-S-W-E; (SEQ ID NO: 38) E-P-I-H-R-S-T-L-T-A-L-L; (SEQ ID NO: 39) G-F-R-K-Y-L-H-F-R-R-H-L-L;  and (SEQ ID NO: 40) V-R-L-G-W-L-L-A-P-A-D-L-D-A-R.

The affinity ligand can have affinity for any immunoglobulin isotype. For example, the affinity ligand can have affinity for an IgA, IgG IgD, IgE, or IgM immunoglobulin. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin is an IgG immunoglobulin (e.g., SEQ ID NOs:25-30). In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin is an IgM immunoglobulin (e.g., SEQ ID NOs:32-35).

In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand binds the therapeutic immunoglobulin to be delivered across the BBB. The immunoglobulin affinity ligand can bind the therapeutic immunoglobulin through any chemical interaction. Typically, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can bind the therapeutic immunoglobulin through a weak chemical interaction. For example, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand can bind the therapeutic immunoglobulin via non-covalent bonds, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, or hydrophobic interactions. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin affinity ligand non-covalently binds the therapeutic immunoglobulin.

Immunoglobulins

The term “immunoglobulin” or “antibody” as used herein refers to immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules (i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site that specifically binds to a peptide). An immunoglobulin can be a monoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a humanized antibody, a fully human antibody, a single chain antibody, a chimeric antibody, or a fragment thereof. The term “fragment” of a full length immunoglobulin refers to one or more portions of a full-length immunoglobulin that retain the ability to specifically bind to a target of interest.

The immunoglobulin can be any isotype. For example, the immunoglobulin can be an IgA, IgG IgD, IgE, or IgM immunoglobulin. In some embodiments, the immunoglobulin is an IgG immunoglobulin.

The methods provided herein provide transport of an immunoglobulin across the BBB, in particular those with low blood-brain barrier permeability. In some embodiments, an immunoglobulin is an endogenous (e.g., originating from or native to a patient) immunoglobulin. In some embodiments, an immunoglobulin is an exogenous (e.g., originating from or synthesized outside of a patient) immunoglobulin.

In some embodiments, an immunoglobulin is a therapeutic immunoglobulin. Therapeutic immunoglobulins include, for example, approved and investigational therapeutic immunoglobulins. Therapeutic immunoglobulins approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can be viewed, for example, on the FDA website (fda.gov). Therapeutic immunoglobulins approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) can be viewed, for example, on the EMA website (ema.europa.eu). A therapeutic immunoglobulin can be a human antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, or a hybrid antibody. Therapeutic immunoglobulins can include, for example, cetuximab, bococizumab, dinutuximab, racotumomab, ralpancizumab, and avastin. In some embodiments, a therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.

Complex

Provided herein are complexes including a peptide described herein and an immunoglobulin described herein.

In some embodiments, a complex includes a peptide described herein and a therapeutic immunoglobulin. The therapeutic immunoglobulin can be an IgG immunoglobulin. The therapeutic immunoglobulin can be selected from cetuximab, bococizumab, dinutuximab, racotumomab, ralpancizumab, and avastin. In some embodiments, the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.

In some embodiments, a complex includes a peptide comprising the sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 41) H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14-L-L-L-L-L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H- L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9; wherein: X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L and a therapeutic immunoglobulin as provided herein. In some embodiments, the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.

In some embodiments, a complex includes a peptide comprising the sequence: H-W-R-G-W-Z-L-L-L-L-L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:42), and a therapeutic immunoglobulin as provided herein. In some embodiments, the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.

The peptide can bind to the immunoglobulin (via the immunoglobulin affinity ligand) through any chemical interaction. Typically, the bond is a weak chemical interaction. For example, the bond can be a non-covalent bond, an electrostatic interaction, a hydrogen bond, van der Waals force, or a hydrophobic interaction. In some embodiments, the peptide is non-covalently bound to the therapeutic immunoglobulin.

Methods of Use

Provided herein are methods of using a peptide described herein. For example, the methods provided herein can include administering a peptide as described herein to a patient. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides methods of transporting an immunoglobulin across the BBB of a patient. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides methods of transporting an active agent across the BBB of a patient. Transporting an immunoglobulin and/or an active agent across the BBB can include transcytosis of the immunoglobulin. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides methods of treating a neurological disorder in a patient. Methods provided herein can include administering a peptide as provided herein and, optionally, administering a therapeutic immunoglobulin as provided herein and/or an active agent as provided herein to the patient.

A patient can include both mammals and non-mammals. Mammals include, for example, humans; nonhuman primates, e.g. apes and monkeys; cattle; horses; sheep; rats; mice; pigs; and goats. Non-mammals include, for example, fish and birds.

In embodiments that include administering both a peptide as provided herein and administering a therapeutic immunoglobulin as provided herein, the peptide described herein and the therapeutic immunoglobulin can be administered to the patient independently or the therapeutic immunoglobulin can be admixed prior to administering to the patient. In some embodiments, the method includes contacting a peptide as described herein and an immunoglobulin under conditions allowing the peptide and the immunoglobulin to form a complex prior to administering to the patient. In some embodiments, the methods can include administering a complexe including a peptide described herein and an immunoglobulin described herein.

In some embodiments, the neurological disorder is selected from: meningitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, late-stage neurological trypanosomiasis, Parkinson's, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, De Vivo disease, Alzheimer's disease, HIV Encephalitis, addiction, and cancer. For example, a neurological disorder can be a brain cancer, for example astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, glioma, ependymoma, germinoma (pinealoma), glioblastoma multiform, oligodendroglioma, schwannoma, retinoblastoma, and congenital tumors; or a cancer of the spinal cord, e.g., neurofibroma, meningioma, glioma, and sarcoma.

In some embodiments of methods provided herein, the administering of a peptide as provided herein to the patient can be followed by subsequent administration of an active agent.

In some embodiments, the active agent is an imaging agent. An imaging agent, as used herein, can be any chemical or substance which is used to provide a signal or contrast in imaging. The signal enhancing domain can be an organic molecule, metal ion, salt or chelate, particle (particularly iron particle), or labeled peptide, protein, polymer or liposome. For example, an imaging agent can include one or more of a radionuclide, a paramagnetic metal, a fluorochrome, a dye, and an enzyme substrate.

In some embodiments, the active agent is a therapeutic agent. As used herein, a therapeutic agent includes any molecule which, if transported across the BBB, can have a therapeutic effect. Examples of therapeutic agents include polypeptides (e.g., functional domains of biologically active molecules, growth factors, enzymes, transcription factors, toxins, antigenic peptides (as for vaccines), antibodies, and antibody fragments), oligonucleotides (e.g., natural or engineered plasmids, coding DNA sequences, antisense DNA sequences, mRNAs, antisense RNA sequences, RNAis, and siRNAs), a broad-spectrum antibiotic (e.g., cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ampicillin and vancomycin); an antiviral agent (e.g., acyclovir), cancer drugs (e.g., daunorubicin, doxorubicin, bevacizumab, irinotecan, zoledronate, temozolomide, taxol, methotrexate, and cisplatin), anti-addiction drugs, and anesthetics. Further examples of therapeutic agents include, without limitation, acetazolamide, carbamazepine, clonazepam, clorazepate dipotassium, diazepam, divalproex sodium, ethosuximide, felbamate, fosphenytoin sodium, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, lorazepam, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, phenytoin sodium, pregabalin, primidone, tiagabine hydrochloride, topiramate, trimethadione, valproic acid, zonisamide, copaxone, tysabri, novantrone, donezepil HCL, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine, levodopa, carbidopa, parlodel, permax, requip, mirapex, symmetrel, artane, cogentin, eldepryl, deprenyl, ZD6474, and INCB3619. Numerous other examples of active agents will be apparent to the skilled artisan.

An active agent can be administered to a patient from about 5 minutes to about 6 hours after administration of the peptide (e.g., about 5 minutes to about 5.5 hours; about 5 minutes to about 5 hours; about 5 minutes to about 4.5 hours; about 5 minutes to about 4 hours; about 5 minutes to about 3.5 hours; about 5 minutes to about 3 hours; about 5 minutes to about 2 hours; about 5 minutes to about 1.5 hours; about 5 minutes to about 1 hour; about 5 minutes to about 45 minutes; about 5 minutes to about 35 minutes; about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; about 5 minutes to about 25 minutes; about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes; about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes; about 10 minutes to about 6 hours; about 15 minutes to about 6 hours; about 30 minutes to about 6 hours; about 45 minutes to about 6 hours; about 1 hour to about 6 hours; about 1.5 hours to about 6 hours; about 2 hours to about 6 hours; about 3 hours to about 6 hours; about 10 minutes to about 1 hour; about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes; about 20 minutes to about 50 minutes; about 30 minutes to about 1.5 hours; about 25 minutes to about 55 minutes; and about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes). For example, an active agent can be administered to a patient from about 5 minutes to about 2 hours after administration of the peptide. In some embodiments, an active agent is administered to a patient from about 10 minutes to about 1 hour after administration of the peptide.

A peptide as described herein and an immunoglobulin (and, optionally, an active agent) can be administered by any route, e.g., intravenous (IV), intramuscular, subcutaneous, oral, intranasal, inhalation, transdermal, and parenteral. In some embodiments, a peptide and immunoglobulin are administered by IV.

The specific dose of a peptide as described herein, an immunoglobulin, and/or an active agent will, of course, be determined by the particular circumstances of the individual patient including the size, weight, age and sex of the patient, the nature and stage of the disease being treated, the aggressiveness of the disease disorder, and the route of administration of the compound.

A “therapeutically effective” amount of an immunoglobulin (e.g., a therapeutic immunoglobulin), or of an additional active agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent) provided herein is typically one which is sufficient to achieve the desired effect and may vary according to the nature and severity of the disease condition, and the potency of the agent. It will be appreciated that different concentrations may be employed for prophylaxis than for treatment of an active disease.

An “effective amount” of an active agent (e.g., an imaging agent) provided herein is typically one which is sufficient to the desired effect of the agent (e.g., detection of an imaging agent) and may vary according to the detection method utilized and the detection limit of the agent.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions including a peptide as described herein. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including a peptide as described herein can also contain an immunoglobulin and/or an active agent. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition can contain a complex including a peptide described herein and an immunoglobulin described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein contain a peptide as described herein, an immunoglobulin, and/or an active agent in an amount that results in transportation of the immunoglobulin across the BBB, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutical carriers suitable for administration of a peptide, an immunoglobulin, and/or an active agent provided herein include any such carriers known to those skilled in the art to be suitable for the particular mode of administration.

A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be selected on the basis of the selected route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. For example, the compositions can be formulated into suitable pharmaceutical preparations such as solutions, suspensions, tablets, dispersible tablets, pills, capsules, powders, sustained release formulations or elixirs, for oral administration or in sterile solutions or suspensions for parenteral administration and intraperitoneal injection, as well as transdermal patch preparation, dry powder inhalers, and ointments (see, e.g., Ansel, Introduction to Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Fourth Edition 1985, 126). A peptide and/or an immunoglobulin may be formulated into dosage forms according to standard practices in the field of pharmaceutical preparations. See Alphonso Gennaro, ed., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition (1990), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.

For parenteral administration, a pharmaceutical composition can include a suitable carrier or diluent such as water, an oil (particularly a vegetable oil), ethanol, saline solution, aqueous dextrose (glucose) and related sugar solutions, glycerol, or a glycol such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol. Solutions for parenteral administration preferably contain a water soluble salt of a peptide and/or an active agent. Stabilizing agents, antioxidant agents and preservatives may also be added. Suitable antioxidant agents include sulfite, ascorbic acid, citric acid and its salts, and sodium EDTA. Suitable preservatives include benzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propyl-paraben, and chlorbutanol. The composition for parenteral administration may take the form of an aqueous or non-aqueous solution, dispersion, suspension or emulsion.

For oral administration, a pharmaceutical composition can include one or more solid inactive ingredients for the preparation of tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules or other suitable oral dosage forms. For example, a pharmaceutical composition can include at least one excipient such as fillers, binders, humectants, disintegrating agents, solution retarders, absorption accelerators, wetting agents absorbents or lubricating agents.

The concentration of an immunoglobulin and/or an active agent administered to the patient will depend on absorption, inactivation and excretion rates of the compounds, the physicochemical characteristics of the compounds, the dosage schedule, and amount administered as well as other factors known to those of skill in the art.

The pharmaceutical composition may be administered at once, or may be divided into a number of smaller doses to be administered at intervals of time. It is understood that the precise dosage and duration of treatment is a function of the disease being treated and may be determined empirically using known testing protocols or by extrapolation from in vivo or in vitro test data. It is to be noted that concentrations and dosage values may also vary with the severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to be further understood that for any particular patient, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the compositions, and that the concentration ranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the claimed compositions.

The pharmaceutical compositions are provided for administration to humans and animals in unit dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions, and oral solutions or suspensions, and oil-water emulsions containing suitable quantities of the compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof. A peptide, an immunoglobulin, and/or an active agent is (are), in one embodiment, formulated and administered in unit-dosage forms or multiple-dosage forms. Unit-dose forms as used herein refers to physically discrete units suitable for human and animal patients and packaged individually as is known in the art. Each unit-dose contains a predetermined quantity of the peptide or active agent sufficient to produce the desired effect, in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier, vehicle, or diluent. Examples of unit-dose forms include ampoules and syringes and individually packaged tablets or capsules. Unit-dose forms may be administered in fractions or multiples thereof. A multiple-dose form is a plurality of identical unit-dosage forms packaged in a single container to be administered in segregated unit-dose form. Examples of multiple-dose forms include vials, bottles of tablets or capsules or bottles of pints or gallons. Hence, multiple dose form is a multiple of unit-doses which are not segregated in packaging.

Liquid pharmaceutically administrable compositions can, for example, be prepared by dissolving, dispersing, or otherwise mixing a pharmaceutical composition as defined above and optional pharmaceutical adjuvants in a carrier, such as, for example, water, saline, aqueous dextrose, glycerol, glycols, ethanol, and the like, to thereby form a solution or suspension. If desired, the pharmaceutical composition to be administered may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances such as wetting agents, emulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, pH buffering agents and the like, for example, acetate, sodium citrate, cyclodextrine derivatives, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine sodium acetate, triethanolamine oleate, and other such agents.

Actual methods of preparing such dosage forms are known, or will be apparent, to those skilled in this art; for example, see Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 15^(th) Edition, 1975.

Dosage forms or compositions containing a peptide, an immunoglobulin, and/or an active agent in the range of 0.005% to 100% with the balance made up with a non-toxic carrier may be prepared. Methods for preparation of these compositions are known to those skilled in the art. The contemplated compositions may contain 0.001%-100% a peptide or an active agent, in one embodiment 0.1-95%, in another embodiment 75-85%.

Kits

Also provided herein are kits. Typically, a kit includes a peptide as provided herein. A kit can also contain one or more immunoglobulins and/or one or more active agents as provided herein. In some embodiments, a kit includes a peptide and an immunoglobulin, and/or an active agent. In some embodiments, a kit includes a complex including a peptide as provided herein and a therapeutic immunoglobulin as provided herein. In certain embodiments, a kit can include one or more delivery systems, e.g., for an immunoglobulin, active agent, peptide, or any combination thereof, and directions for use of the kit (e.g., instructions for administering to a patient). In some embodiments, a kit can include a syringe having a peptide and a syringe having an immunoglobulin as provided herein. In some embodiments, the kit can also include a syringe having an additional active agent (e.g., a imaging agent or a therapeutic agent) and an instruction that indicates that the peptide and immunoglobulin are to be administered to a patient prior to administration of the additional active agent.

The invention will be further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Transportation of an Immunoglobulin Across the BBB

A bipartite peptide (Apo-I) was created which specifically binds to the Fc-chain of an IgG and interacts with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) present on the surface of endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

To explore whether Apo-I transports an antibody across the BBB, the peptide or a peptide-cetuximab complex were first injected by IV followed by injection of Evan's Blue (EB; a routinely used small molecule blue dye with a molecular weight of 960.81) by IV into the femoral vein of a mouse. Cardiac perfusion was performed and the brains of the mice were removed and evaluated approximately 2 hours following injection of the dye. As a control, injection of EB only was used. The particulars of each administration are as follows:

-   -   1) ˜40 μL 2% EB only was injected.     -   2) 300 μg of Apo-I was injected first, then ˜40 μL 2% EB was         injected.     -   3) 600 μg of Apo-I was injected first, then ˜40 μL 2% EB was         injected.     -   4) 600 μg of Apo-I was mixed with 200 μg cetuximab prior to         injection and then injected first, then ˜40 μL 2% EB was         injected.

As is shown in FIG. 1, EB cannot reach the brain when delivered alone (evidenced by the absence of blue coloring in brain number 1), or when delivered with 300 μg of Apo-I (evidenced by the absence of blue coloring in brain number 2). The absence of blue coloring at low concentrations (e.g., 300 μg) of Apo-I suggests that low concentrations do not form enough pores at the BBB through which EB can pass to the brain in amounts that can be visually assessed.

Apo-I binds to an antibody (IgG) molecule and sufficient amounts of Apo-I can deliver the antibody to the brain as well as create a transient opening of the BBB, through which small molecules can be transported. When Apo-I alone is introduced into the bloodstream by itself, it binds to the IgG molecules present in blood, transports the IgG to the brain and also creates transient pores at the BBB through which other molecules (such as EB) can be transported to the brain. As is shown in FIG. 1, delivery of 600 μg Apo-I, when injected into the femoral vein, complexed with IgG present in the blood and created transient pores at the BBB, through which EB passed through to the brain. This is evidenced by brain number 3 showing the blue coloring of the EB dye. Delivery of 600 μg Apo-I pre-mixed with cetuximab and injected as above also allows passage of EB to the brain. This is evidenced by brain number 4 showing the blue coloring of the EB dye.

These results suggest that the carrier peptide can deliver an antibody (e.g., present in the blood or provided in a pre-mixed Apo-I/antibody complex) as well as other molecules/drugs to the brain. To deliver a specific antibody (e.g., a therapeutic IgG) to the brain, the antibody can be pre-mixed with Apo-I, and the resulting peptide/antibody complex can administered and, optionally, followed by administration of another molecule/drug, rendering brain-uptake of both the antibody and, optionally, the molecule (EB).

Example 2: Specific Transport of Antibodies Across the BBB

Two radiolabeled antibodies, herceptin (HER) and cetuximab (CTX) and radiolabeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) were injected intravenously into mice with and without 600 of ApoI. Six mice were present in each of the various test groups. One hour after injection, mice were sacrificed. Brains were collected and radioactivity measured using microSPECT imaging.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, approximately 25-50-fold more antibody was delivered to the brain with the peptide than without. However, the ApoI polypeptide had no effect on brain-uptake of BSA, implying specificity of the peptide for the transportation of antibodies across the blood brain barrier.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that while the disclosure has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A peptide comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 1) A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m) 

wherein: (a) A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand; (b) L is a linker; and (c) B is a blood-brain barrier agent comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 3) L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9;

wherein: X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; n is an integer from 0 to 50; m is an integer from 1 to 3; and p is an integer from 1 to
 4. 2. The peptide of claim 1, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand comprises the sequence H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14 (SEQ ID NO:25) wherein: X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L.
 3. The peptide of claim 2, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand is H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26).
 4. The peptide of claim 1, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand non-covalently binds a therapeutic immunoglobulin.
 5. The peptide of claim 4, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is an IgG immunoglobulin.
 6. The peptide of claim 1, wherein p is
 1. 7. The peptide of claim 1, wherein the linker is selected from the group consisting of one or more hydrophilic amino acids, one or more neutral amino acids, and one or more amino acid analogs.
 8. The peptide of claim 7, wherein the linker is one or more hydrophilic amino acids.
 9. The peptide of claim 8, wherein the linker is a lysine.
 10. The peptide of claim 9, wherein n is
 4. 11. The peptide of claim 1, wherein the blood-brain barrier agent comprises a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to: (SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A.


12. The peptide of claim 11, wherein the blood-brain barrier agent is (SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A.


13. A method of transporting a therapeutic immunoglobulin across the blood-brain barrier of a patient, the method comprising: (a) administering to the patient an effective amount of a peptide comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 1) A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m) 

wherein: i. A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand; ii. L is a linker; and iii. B is a blood-brain barrier agent comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 3) L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9;

wherein: X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; n is an integer from 0 to 50; m is an integer from 1 to 3; and p is an integer from 1 to 4; and (b) administering to the patient an effective amount of the therapeutic immunoglobulin.
 14. A method of treating a neurological disorder in a patient, the method comprising: (a) administering to the patient an effective amount of a peptide comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 1) A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m)

wherein i. A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand; ii. L is a linker; and iii. B is a blood-brain barrier agent comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 3) L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9;

wherein: X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; n is an integer from 0 to 50; m is an integer from 1 to 3; and p is an integer from 1 to 4; and (b) administering to the patient an effective amount of a therapeutic immunoglobulin.
 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand comprises the sequence H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14 (SEQ ID NO:25); wherein: X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand is H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26).
 17. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand non-covalently binds the therapeutic immunoglobulin.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is an IgG immunoglobulin.
 19. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein p is
 1. 20. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the linker is selected from the group consisting of one or more hydrophilic amino acids, one or more neutral amino acids, and one or more amino acid analogs.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the linker is one or more hydrophilic amino acids.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the linker is a lysine.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein n is
 4. 24. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the blood-brain barrier agent comprises a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to: (SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A.


25. The method of claim 24, wherein the blood-brain barrier agent is (SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A.


26. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is selected from the group consisting of cetuximab, bococizumab, dinutuximab, racotumomab, ralpancizumab, and avastin.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.
 28. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the peptide and the therapeutic immunoglobulin are admixed prior to administering to the patient.
 29. The method of claim 14, wherein the neurological disorder is chosen from: meningitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, late-stage neurological trypanosomiasis, Parkinson's, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, De Vivo disease, Alzheimer's disease, HIV Encephalitis, addiction, and cancer.
 30. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the method further comprises administering to the patient an additional active agent.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the additional active agent is administered about 5 minutes to about 2 hours after the peptide.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the additional active agent is an imaging agent.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the imaging agent comprises one or more of a: radionuclide, a paramagnetic metal, a fluorochrome, a dye, and an enzyme substrate.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the additional active agent is a therapeutic agent.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide, an oligonucleotide, an antibiotic, an antiviral agent, a cancer drug, an anti-addiction drug, and an anesthetic.
 36. The method of claim 34, wherein the therapeutic agent is a cancer drug selected from the group consisting of ZD6474 and INCB3619.
 37. A peptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence H-W-R-G-W-Z-L-L-L-L-L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A (SEQ ID NO:42).
 38. A complex comprising: (a) a peptide comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 1) A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m)

wherein i. A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand; ii. L is a linker; and iii. B is a blood-brain barrier agent comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 3) L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9;

wherein: X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; n is an integer from 0 to 50; m is an integer from 1 to 3; and p is an integer from 1 to 4; and (b) a therapeutic immunoglobulin.
 39. The complex of claim 38, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand comprises the sequence H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14 (SEQ ID NO:25); wherein: X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L.
 40. The complex of claim 38, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand is H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26).
 41. The complex of claim 38, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand is non-covalently bound to the therapeutic immunoglobulin.
 42. The complex of claim 38, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is an IgG immunoglobulin.
 43. The complex of claim 38, wherein p is
 1. 44. The complex of claim 38, wherein the linker is selected from the group consisting of one or more hydrophilic amino acids, one or more neutral amino acids, and one or more amino acid analogs.
 45. The complex of claim 44, wherein the linker is one or more hydrophilic amino acids.
 46. The complex of claim 45, wherein the linker is a lysine.
 47. The complex of claim 46, wherein n is
 4. 48. The complex of claim 38, wherein the blood-brain barrier agent comprises a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to: (SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A.


49. The complex of claim 48, wherein the blood-brain barrier agent is (SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A.


50. The complex of claim 38, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is selected from the group consisting of cetuximab, bococizumab, dinutuximab, racotumomab, ralpancizumab, and avastin.
 51. The complex of claim 50, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.
 52. A complex comprising: (a) a peptide comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 41) H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14-L-L-L-L-L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H- L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9;

wherein X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L and (b) a therapeutic immunoglobulin, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.
 53. The complex of claim 52, where the peptide comprises the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 42) H-W-R-G-W-Z-L-L-L-L-L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R- L-L-R-D-A.


54. A method of transporting a therapeutic immunoglobulin across the blood-brain barrier of a patient, the method comprising: (a) administering to the patient: an effective amount of a peptide comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 1) A_(p)-L_(n)-B_(m)

wherein: i. A is an immunoglobulin affinity ligand; ii. L is a linker; and iii. B is a blood-brain barrier agent comprising the sequence: (SEQ ID NO: 3) L-R-X1-R-X2-X3-X4-H-L-R-X5-X6-X7-K-R-L-X8-R-D-X9;

wherein: X1 is selected from the group consisting of A, L, S, and V; X2 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X3 is selected from the group consisting of A and S; X4 is selected from the group consisting of N, S, and T; X5 is selected from the group consisting of K and N; X6 is selected from the group consisting of L, M, and V; X7 is selected from the group consisting of R and P; X8 is selected from the group consisting of L and M; X9 is selected from the group consisting of A and L; n is an integer from 0 to 50; m is an integer from 1 to 3; and p is an integer from 1 to 4; and an effective amount of the therapeutic immunoglobulin; and (b) subsequently administering to the patient an additional active agent.
 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand comprises the sequence H-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14 (SEQ ID NO:25), wherein: X10 is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, and F; X11 is selected from the group consisting of R and F; X12 is selected from the group consisting of K, and R; X13 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, and H; and X14 is selected from the group consisting of Z, V, D, and L.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand is H-W-R-G-W-Z (SEQ ID NO:26).
 57. The method of claim 54, wherein the immunoglobulin affinity ligand non-covalently binds the therapeutic immunoglobulin.
 58. The method of claim 54, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is an IgG immunoglobulin.
 59. The method of claim 54, wherein p is
 2. 60. The method of claim 54, wherein the linker is selected from the group consisting of one or more hydrophilic amino acids, one or more neutral amino acids, and one or more amino acid analogs.
 61. The method of claim 60, wherein the linker is one or more hydrophilic amino acids.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the linker is a lysine.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein n is
 4. 64. The method of claim 54, wherein the blood-brain barrier agent comprises a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to: (SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A.


65. The method of claim 64, wherein the blood-brain barrier agent is (SEQ ID NO: 4) L-R-V-R-L-A-S-H-L-R-K-L-R-K-R-L-L-R-D-A.


66. The method of claim 54, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is selected from the group consisting of cetuximab, bococizumab, dinutuximab, racotumomab, ralpancizumab, and avastin.
 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the therapeutic immunoglobulin is cetuximab.
 68. The method of claim 54, wherein the peptide and the therapeutic immunoglobulin are admixed prior to administering to the patient.
 69. The method of claim 54, wherein the additional active agent is administered about 5 minutes to about 2 hours after the peptide.
 70. The method of claim 54, wherein the additional active agent is an imaging agent.
 71. The method of claim 70, wherein the imaging agent comprises one or more of a: radionuclide, a paramagnetic metal, a fluorochrome, a dye, and an enzyme substrate.
 72. The method of claim 54, wherein the additional active agent is a therapeutic agent.
 73. The method of claim 72, wherein the therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide, an oligonucleotide, an antibiotic, an antiviral agent, a cancer drug, an anti-addiction drug, and an anesthetic.
 74. The method of claim 73, wherein the therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of cetuximab, ZD6474, and INCB3619. 